CHULA VISTA, California (SDJW) — Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom, was hospitalized Monday night after being struck by a car as he was crossing a street towards his Conservative synagogue. According to Arlene LaGary, an active member of the congregation, the rabbi suffered two broken wrists and facial bruises.
“When I left UCSD last night, doctors were still evaluating him,” she wrote in an email blast to congregants and friends. “He is conscious, alert, etcetera.”
Samuel, who is a frequent contributor to San Diego Jewish World, had both arms put into casts and “he cannot drive, he cannot use the computer, (and) may need rides,” according to LaGary.
Various congregants have offered to drive and to prepare food for the rabbi while he recovers.
In the interim, services at Temple Beth Shalom will be led by lay members of the congregation. “I am sure he will be back on the bima as soon as he is able,” LaGary said.
Television reports about the accident said that the driver of the vehicle stopped after the accident and was not cited. The driver reportedly said she did not see the rabbi until too late because he was wearing dark clothes.
*
SDJW staff report